17.1 The Lead Member considered a report by the Chief Operating Officer together with exempt information contained in a later agenda item.
DECISIONS
17.2 The Lead Member RESOLVED to:
1) Approve East Sussex County Council continuing to purchase electricity and gas via the Crown Commercial Services Energy Framework following an energy market review;
2) Delegate authority to the Chief Operating Officer to take all actions considered appropriate to give effect to the above decision including, but not limited to, agreeing the contract for purchase of electricity and gas; and
3) Delegate authority to the Chief Operating Officer to undertake a further review within 24 months to ensure the Council is securing value for money.
REASONS
17.3 The Council needs to provide value for money and a secure supply of gas and electricity for its assets and properties, including schools. On its own, the Council does not have the appropriate demand and leverage to gain an optimum price and value for this supply independently. It will benefit from continuing to purchase with Crown Commercial Services, who undertake aggregated buying of approximately £51 billion of public sector energy to achieve this.
17.4 Due to the nature of the energy markets, to obtain best value, the Council procures energy in advance via an energy strategy. The supply of gas and electricity are subject to wider geo-political factors as seen with the energy crisis in 2022.